Everything Old Is New Again - By: Eva Blakeley

TV shows like Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers have popularized the idea that antiques and collectibles can be worth lots of money. While some of the finds showcased on such shows are once in a lifetime exceptions, it is true that buying and selling antiques can be a profitable enterprise. If you have the determination to seek out good pieces and the knowledge to recognize them when you see them, you can be on your way to a nice second income. Some people even become successful enough at selling their finds that they are able to quit their unrewarding day jobs and focus on their business as a full time occupation.

Knowledge is power, and knowledge about antiques and collectibles can mean the difference between finding a treasure and being scammed by a clever fake. It is a good idea to find some books on whatever antiques or collectibles you want to start trying to resell. Your local library is probably chock full of resources on everything from furniture styles to pottery and silver marks, and if you plan on dealing in antiques you should be at least passingly familiar with all these things. Once you feel like you have built up a knowledge base, your best bet for finding bargain treasures to resell is thrift stores and rummage sales; the more packed and cluttered the place, the better your chances of finding something good. You can also sometimes find incredible pieces at estate and yard sales as well as flea markets.

Once you get your stock up, you need to find a way to sell it. Booths at your local flea market are affordable, but require a time commitment that some people don’t have. Internet sites like Ebay and Etsy offer the convenience of an online store front without having to worry about things like web hosting and site design. The down side of these sites is that most of them charge a monthly fee in addition to taking a percentage of your profit. If you are tech savvy, or have a friend who can help you out, you can design your own web page to sell your items. Cheap web hosting makes it possible for you to have a website with a PayPal link for less money than you might spend on a site like Ebay. However you choose to market your treasures, you are limited only by your determination and imagination.

About the Author

I’m at college studying for A-levels in drama and photography. I like going out with mates and can’t wait to finish school so I can travel! Typical Croydon girl I must say, but like to laugh and always have fun writing just about whatever.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Eva-Blakeley/123668

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